A curated selection of public diplomacy-relevant news from a global cross-section of English-language media outlets, including independent, corporate-owned, and state-sponsored sources. The stories featured don't necessarily represent CPD's views nor have they been verified by CPD.

Refugees Cling to Wi-Fi in the Jungle of Calais

That wireless network, called "Jungala," is beamed into the camp from a crude but serviceable hand-built antenna that sits atop a battered blue truck once used to transport horses. It's called the Refugee Info Bus and it's run by a charity group called Help Refugees. Jungala, the Afghan name for the camp, serves as a lifeline for its occupants, with as many as 400 people logging on every day. 

Tags: refugee crisis, digital diplomacy & new tech, global aid & development, france, internet, help refugees, social media, refugee info bus

Music Can Help the World Understand Peace Much Better

The Italian conductor of the World Youth Orchestra, Damiano Giuranna, has said that music can help the world understand peace and brotherhood much more. “We are the same family, different brothers but really the same family. This is an important result to know that brotherhood will be the winner, not the war between us,” Giuranna told the Tehran Times in an interview held at the Rudaki Hall. 

Tags: Cultural Diplomacy, world youth orchestra, italy, tehran, middle east, peace, music, culture, non state pd

China-Africa Public Diplomacy Forum Calls for Media Service Cooperation

The first China-Africa Public Diplomacy Forum opened on Tuesday in the capital of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam. [...] the event discussed building a comprehensive partnership as cooperation between China and Africa are cementing in various fields. Much room exists for China and Africa to explore public diplomacy, especially media service cooperation.

Tags: china, africa, tanzania, public diplomacy forum, government pd, international broadcasting, media service cooperation, mutual understanding, china radio international

Soft Power in the Middle East: The Invisible Skirmish

The Middle East remains of a major geostrategic importance. Global powers found in the recent developments an opportunity to chart their way into the region; sending troops and reinforcements, rebuilding alliances and restoring old relations. Amidst this chaotic environment, a number of regional forces opted to adopt a different approach: soft power. 

Tags: middle east, iran, oman, smart & soft power, joseph nye, culture, democracy, partnerships, media, gulf states

Rwanda Hosts the 10th EAC Military Games and Cultural Events

From yesterday, the 10th edition of the East African Military Games are underway in Kigali under the theme 'One people, one destiny'. The Military Games and Cultural Events bring together over 500 soldiers from EAC member states to compete in a wide range sporting events and cultural shows. [...] The objective of the Military Games is to contribute in building confidence, friendship, cooperation 

Tags: rwanda, east african military games, east africa, kigali, sports diplomacy, international exchange, culture, cooperation

Olympic Spirit Captured in North and South Korean Selfie

There was a rare moment of inter-Korean friendship captured at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro when North and South Korean athletes took a selfie together.[...] The photo has gone somewhat viral on the Internet and is being roundly praised for embracing the Olympic goals of building peace and understanding. 

Tags: 2016 Rio Olympics, north korea, south korea, selfie diplomacy, digital diplomacy & new tech, sports diplomacy, peace building, twitter, social media

Filipino, Malaysian Artists Enhance Cultural Ties Through ArtDialogo

Art has always been a great way to connect people from different countries and cultures. [...] It transcends borders, language, race, and cultures. The past week was a testament to that as 13 Filipino artists visited Malaysia through ArtDialogo, an initiative that proves to be the beginning of yet another opportunity for cultural exchange in the Southeast Asian region.

Tags: philippine, malaysia, southeast asia, international exchange, Cultural Diplomacy, art, ArtDialogo, cultural partnerships, tourism

‘Redwashing’ the Silver Screen

China’s growing control of the movie industry also exists downstream. AMC Theaters is owned by the Dalian Wanda group, whose board members have ties to the communist government. AMC is currently finalizing a merger with Carmike Cinemas that will make it the biggest movie chain in the United States with more than 8,000 theater screens. 

Tags: china, united states, movie industry, smart & soft power, government pd, propaganda, dalian wanda group, censorship, international image

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